Giants OF Torres goes on DL with Achilles strain

SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco Giants outfielder Andres Torres was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday because of a strained left Achilles' tendon and might not return this season.

Torres said the injury has lingered since the start of 2011 after he helped the Giants win a World Series championship the previous fall. He is scheduled to get a second opinion and be examined by specialist Dr. Robert Anderson next week in North Carolina and hopes to avoid surgery -- though an MRI exam showed bone spurs in the area.

"I need to be 100 percent," Torres said. "After we won the World Series and they gave us the rings (April 9, 2011), I hurt this foot and I've never been the same. Playing like this is not going to be good for me and it's not going to be good for the organization. I respect them a lot. This is something I have to work to get better."

Rehabilitation hasn't worked for the speedy Torres, who said the left foot bothers him most when hitting from the left side and is limiting him to running at about 80 percent. Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Torres called about 1:30 p.m. Thursday to tell him he couldn't play in the opener of a four-game series against the NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates.

"It's bothering him to the point he needs a break," Bochy said. "I can't say it's over yet until he gets evaluated. I think that will determine what ends up happening with Andres. Is there a possibility of surgery? Sure. That's why he's getting checked out."

Bochy said he only learned of Torres' condition a few days ago but the outfielder hadn't spoken of it, saying "it's one of those injuries that's flared up again on him."

The 35-year-old Torres, who signed a $2 million, one-year contract last winter to return to the Giants after spending 2012 with the New York Mets, is batting .250 with two home runs and 21 RBIS with just four stolen bases in 103 games this season. He said when hitting from the left side his injured front foot lifts and he loses his power and strength.

"I want to make sure this is right and I can drive the ball from both sides," he said.

Bochy didn't rule out Torres' season ending, especially with the reigning World Series champions out of the playoff race and planning to try out many young players over the final month.

Bochy said Torres' role, if he is able to play again this year, would be primarily as a pinch-hitter, pinch-runner or late defensive replacement.

"There's no rush to get Andres back," Bochy said. "We want him to get healthy. He's got his future to think of."

In other moves, lefty Mike Kickham was optioned to Triple-A Fresno, and infielder Nick Noonan and outfielder Francisco Peguero were recalled from Fresno to provide some depth. Third baseman Pablo Sandoval returned to the lineup after missing the final two games against Boston with a sore back.